Irfan Tansel, CEO, Al Masaood Automobiles
Leadership isn’t about ruling with an iron fist; it’s about leading with empathy. Authentic leaders don’t just call the shots—they rally the team and forge paths to success together. They don’t dictate; they collaborate, inspire, and get in the trenches with their team. By bringing out the best in others, genuine leaders create teams that thrive on trust and collaboration. They create a culture where every voice is heard, every idea is valued, and every team member feels like a vital part of the mission. They understand that success isn’t just measured by profits or accolades but by the growth and satisfaction of the people they lead. In this edition of Entrepreneur Gulf Magazine, we are proud to share with our readers the inspiring story of one such inspiring leader, Irfan Tansel, the visionary CEO of Al Masaood Automobiles.
Born in Türkiye, Irfan’s journey took a fascinating turn when his family relocated to Germany due to his father’s job assignment. This early leap into a new culture challenged young Irfan to step out of his comfort zone, embrace change, and adapt. As a foreigner, Irfan quickly learned that merely fitting in wasn’t enough – he had to stand out from the crowd. This realization planted the seeds of ambition and competitiveness in his persona, leading him to embrace and conquer challenges at every turn.
As an apprentice, Irfan poured his heart into every job, squeezing every ounce of learning from each experience. He leveraged his dual background to improve his performance. His Turkish roots fostered a people-centric approach, empathy, and a deep appreciation for family bonds and human connections. Meanwhile, his German upbringing sharpened his business acumen, instilling discipline, precision, calculated decision-making, and a focus on efficiency and planning. This potent combination allowed Irfan to hit the ground running in his career, turning every job into a learning opportunity and continuously pushing himself to new heights.
Strength Amid Uncertainty: Insights from a Global Crisis
When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, it brought unprecedented challenges to businesses and communities alike. However, this global crisis proved to be a defining moment in Irfan’s career, putting his mettle to the test and revealing the true strength of his team. At Al Masaood Automobiles, amidst the uncertainty and disruption, Irfan witnessed a remarkable display of resilience and solidarity among his team. “At Al Masaood Automobiles, it was beautiful how every member of the team put their best foot forward, not only ensuring their own well-being but also extending care to their colleagues, valued customers, and the business itself. This was a real lesson that when you have a solid team – come what may – they will stand tall in the face of any wind,” shares Irfan.
Driving Excellence Through Five Key Values
Al Masaood Automobiles has long been a leader in Abu Dhabi’s automotive industry, with its success deeply rooted in a set of unwavering core values. These values form the bedrock upon which all decisions and initiatives are built, ensuring that every action contributes positively to both the community and the broader market. This commitment to excellence was exemplified when Al Masaood Automobiles won the prestigious Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award in 2023, reflecting their adherence to the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) standards.
At the heart of Al Masaood Automobiles’ ethos lies five core values: integrity, collaboration, innovation, customer-centricity, and respect for people and the environment. Upholding integrity as a non-negotiable principle, the company ensures transparency and honesty in all its interactions with its employees and customers and the broader community. Their commitment to “do more together” speaks volumes about their belief in harnessing the collective power of individuals to drive progress. In this spirit, Al Masaood Automobiles has collaborated with local communities, fostering partnerships aimed at achieving social impact and promoting the common good for society and the environment. By respecting the planet and promoting sustainability, they are not only cultivating a positive company culture but also supporting the development of a stronger and more sustainable future.
Never one to rest on its laurels, the company has made innovation a top priority. They continuously seek to push boundaries, pioneer new solutions, and maintain a steadfast focus on shaping the future of mobility. Moreover, their relentless focus on customer satisfaction underscores their pledge to deliver memorable experiences.
Paving the way Towards Safer and Greener Mobility
In the face of rapid technological advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainability, Al Masaood Automobiles acknowledges the constant need to meet the evolving needs of the customer. With autonomous vehicle (AV) technologies on the rise, they aim not only to enhance road safety by mitigating human error but also to pioneer environmental sustainability through reduced carbon emissions and enhanced fuel efficiency. “By reducing human error, which is responsible for over 90% of accidents, AVs promise safer roads and fewer fatalities. Additionally, as many AVs are electric, they cut down on carbon emissions and enhance fuel efficiency through optimal driving patterns. They also reduce traffic congestion and support shared mobility services, which lowers the overall number of vehicles on the road and decreases urban pollution,” elucidates Irfan.
Aligning with these forward-thinking principles, Al Masaood Automobiles is working closely with its automotive partners to bring cutting-edge technologies and eco-friendly solutions to the Middle Eastern market. From Al Masaood Automobiles’ principal brands, Nissan has recently rolled out its global business plan ‘The Arc’, which will see the introduction of five new Nissan SUVs in the Middle East by 2026. The Arc also sets out a strategy to introduce electric vehicles to the Middle East, providing a springboard to expand further as Nissan looks to capitalize on its strong brand power in these important markets to drive further growth.
Fostering a Culture of Innovation and Independent Thinking
Irfan’s leadership at Al Masaood Automobiles exemplifies a modern, motivational approach that encourages an agile work environment. As a progressive leader, he advocates for embracing technology and speed. Irfan believes that companies that encourage employees to contribute to decisions rather than merely follow orders can innovate and stay competitve.“I always tell my leadership team: ‘Never ask your employees to do as you say, instead opt for opinions and ideas.’ Cultivating an environment that welcomes new suggestions and open feedback is how he marked the theme ‘making innovation our game’.
The avid leader believes that a culture of innovation doesn’t naturally exist but is cultivated through promoting free thinking and embracing the possibility of failure. Thus, by allocating budgets and resources and creating a supportive environment, Irfan ensures that innovation remains a cornerstone of the company’s strategy, driving advancements in both sales and aftersales and customer satisfaction.
Irfan’s leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that complacency is the enemy of progress. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, even more, during times of success. “Surround yourself with talent that surpasses your own – people who are better than you at certain skills can help in the execution of short, mid, and long-term goals. Ensure that your trusted leadership team is fully empowered and committed to this vision, both in heart and mind. By doing so, success will inevitably follow” adds Irfan.
Leadership Lessons from a Visionary
Reflecting on his extensive career, Irfan offers a wealth of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those venturing into the automotive industry. His key takeaway? ‘Trust and empower your team.’ Irfan firmly believes that team members are the most valuable resource, and granting them the autonomy to innovate and be creative is crucial. He stresses the importance of fostering teamwork around a shared vision, cautioning that companies don’t fail because they have a bad plan, they fail because their employees don’t put their hearts and minds into it. He encourages entrepreneurs to lead by example and with empathy, nurturing a corporate culture that values transparency and accountability.
Meanwhile, he also underscores the critical role of excellence in execution, asserting that a well-defined strategy broken down into clear and achievable micro plans has higher chances of success. “You must have a strategy broken down into succinct plans because if you fail to plan, you plan to fail” concludes Irfan.